Wellington (AFP)
Steve Hansen, the former New Zealand XV coach beaten in the semifinals of the last World Cup, was named to the New Year's list of distinctions for his exceptional contribution to national rugby.
Hansen, now Sir Stephen, failed to drive the reigning double world champions to a third straight crown after their defeat to England in the semi-finals. He expressed "immense pride and modesty", while paying tribute to his wife and his former players and managers.
"I will be eternally grateful for the talents we have been fortunate to train and the awesome coaching we have had. You cannot do it all by yourself. This is why this honor is also for many theirs, "said Sir Stephen.
Steve Hansen, 60, had spent eight years as assistant to Black coach Graham Henry, also ennobled after the 2011 World Cup victory, before presiding over the lives of New Zealanders for the past eight years.
Under his leadership, the All Blacks won the 2015 World Cup, finished 3rd in the 2019 World Cup, won the Rugby Championship six times and kept the Bledisloe Cup, an annual confrontation against Australia, during his entire term. The Blacks have also been named Team of the Year five times. In all, they won 93 of the 107 test matches played, against only ten defeats and four draws.
© 2019 AFP